"I didn't think I'd be invited again after last year's speech, but Meatloaf got the sack and I've been given a second chance!.'' Mr Abbott said.

"I've got a few things wrong over the years, but almost nothing as wrong as my perception of Aussie Rules. I now admit that the game we Sydneysiders used to call 'aerial ping-pong' involves more athleticism than just about any sport.

Last year was the first AFL grand final he had attended in 20 years, an unforgiveable sin to many of the games legion of supporters.

"Top Aussie Rules players need to be as fast as sprinters, as fit as marathon runners, as strong as weightlifters and as graceful as dancers,’’ he said yesterday.

"I thank all responsible for my Aussie Rules re-education - starting with Jobe Watson, who taught me to handball at Windy Hill two years ago and I congratulate him on his Brownlow win this year.”

Mr Abbott could not resist a political jibe at Australia's campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council however, telling the crows that "beating the Gold Coast Suns for the wooden spoon is a bit like Australia beating Luxembourg to get a seat on the UN Security Council, but we Sydneysiders take our triumphs wherever we can".

"Ladies and gentlemen, as a resident of the city long regarded as Melbourne's poor relation, all I ask for today is a fair go.

"Sydney might have the world's best harbour, but Melbourne has the 'G and this is only the fourth time that our team has been in the Grand Final of the world's greatest game. So, please spare a thought for us and give us at least a cheer when we score our first goal.''

Ms Gillard missed the breakfast because she was flying back to Australia from New York but she headed straight for the MCG when she landed.

"Swans had a sensational season. Can never write off Hawks with stars like Buddy Rioli and Hodge but Swan to triumph in AFL Grand Final cliff hanger,'' she posted on the social media site Twitter.

TEAM GILLARD: Julia Gillard backed the Swans to win by four points with Adam Goodes securing her tip as the Norm Smith Medal favourite. The PM is backing the Storm by eight points in the NRL Grand Final on Sunday. Cam Smith is her Clive Churchill Medal tip.

TEAM ABBOTT: Tony Abbott backed the Swans by 12 points. The Liberal leader is backing the Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL Grand Final.